Wellington County, Ontario GenWeb - Pioneer

Wellington County, Ontario GenWeb - Pioneer - McKINNON, Alexander

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Pioneer - McKINNON, Alexander

Biographical Sketches of
Early Settlers of Wellington County

Information from: Historical Atlas of the County of Wellington, Ontario.
Toronto: Historical Atlas Publishing Co., 1906

McKINNON, Alexander (d.), b. Argyleshire, Scot., 1792; d. 1867, age 75. He came to Erin Tp. in 1834, walking from Toronto with his son Neil, and stayed all night in the McNaughton house, the only one then in Erin, with the probable exception of the Grahams. He set. on lot 20, con. 5, and owned 500 acres. He brought considerable money to Canada with him, and used it to good purposes, assisting those who needed help, being the only one having money to spare, for which circumstance he received the title Banker McKinnon. He was very successful, and one of the leading men in the county, highly respected and a good citizen. In religion he was a Presbyterian and a Liberal in politics. He m. Mary McPhail, who d. in 1875. Issue: Neil, Alexander, William (d.), Margaret (d.), Mrs. Robert Wansborough and Mrs. James Kennedy, Orangeville; Mrs. Ewings (d.), Bruce Co.; Mrs. Arch. Thompson (d.), Mrs. Hugh McDougal (d.), and Mrs. Thomas Dick (d.).

The late Neil McKinnon was b. Argylshire, Scot, in 1818 d. 1890, age 72, He came to Canada and Erin with his father in 1834. He was a Presbyterian and a Liberal, and was a town Councillor for some years. He was a man of strong personality, and one of the most respected in the county; very successful, and when he retired from farming, owned 700 acres of land. He m. Margaret McMillan, who is still living age 81. Issue: Mrs. C. J. McMillan, Hillsburg; Donald, William , Alexander, Mrs. J. W. Burt, Jr., Erin; Mrs. McLuighlin, Caledon; Mrs. Robt. Reid, Erin; Mrs. Barker (d.), and Mrs. Samuel Young, of Guelph.

Donald m. Janet Young, and set. on the old homestead in Erin. He is a well-known horseman, and has been successful at the various fairs exhibiting horses.

William m. Annie O'Neil, and set. Orangeville. Alexander was b. on the old homestead in Erin Tp. in 1855. He succeeded his father on 100 acres, and has since added 400 acres making a magnificent farm of 500 acres, upon which is a beautiful brick house, and fine barns. He carried on mixed farming and is an extensive breeder of Polled Angus cattle, having a herd of fifty head, which he exhibits at various fairs, with great success. He also has some pure bred Clydesdale horses, among them, two were imported form the Old Country. Mr. McKinnon is a member of the Disciples church, and in politics is a Liberal. He has held the office of Councilor for one year, Reeve for one year and County commissioner for four years. In 1906 Mr. McKinnon was elected Warden of the county of Wellington by acclamation. He is one of the most highly respected men in Wellington County. He m. Catharine Thompson in Erin Tp. Issue: Margaret L., Toronto; Edna, Stella, Arnold and Ross at home.

From: Historical Atlas of the County of Wellington, Ontario. Toronto:Historical Atlas Publishing Co., 1906